More space for pedestrians in San Sebastian

San Sebastian has inaugurated a new pedestrian area in the Arrasate Street removing 42 on-street car parking spaces in January 2012. The project is a continuation of a longer-term strategy of pedestrianising commercial streets in the city centre to create a more attractive urban space.

The new city government of San Sebastian started the remodelling work on the Arrasate Street in July 2011. The new pedestrian area covers two blocks and is 120 meters long. To create the new space, 42 on-street car parking spaces were removed. The traditional street layout has been replaced by an even road surface to remove any barriers for walking as much as possible. Trees and several benches were put up to recreate the existing atmosphere of the surrounding pedestrian areas. During daytime the area is only accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and delivery vehicles. Simultaneously, changes have been made to the adjacent street section. Additional parking spaces were removed here to free up space for a new cycling lane. This new cycling lane connects the pedestrian area, where cyclists are allowed, with the wider network of cycling lanes. Walking is the most important mode of transport for trips within the city of San Sebastian. It has a modal share of more than 40 percent. During the CIVITAS ARCHIMEDES project, an additional 3.6 kilometres of new walking routes have been created along the Urumea River and other green areas. The signage and route map were created to inform pedestrians about the duration of their walking trips.